UCLH or St Marys

[Flosspot22]

There are some quite old discussions on here about UCLH vs. St Mary’s Paddington for antenatal and labour experiences and I was hoping people had some more recent experiences especially since COVID. I’m a first time pregnancy so am am attracted by the idea that UCLH had some of the best medical care in the uk, but there are some reviews that say it’s busy and impersonal, you never get the same midwife twice. Does anyone have some first had experience? Also for st Mary’s, the most recent reviews are quite dated so any news experience would be appreciated. Thanks

I’m with UCLH for antenatal care. You definitely don’t see the same midwife twice and it is busy, but that doesn’t bother me. My husband has been allowed in for all appointments. They’ve all been very nice so far.

They are extremely organised and use a great app called My Chart for your appointments, post appt notes, test results etc so you can easily keep track of your pregnancy. I’ve come off a few years of private IVF and gynae care for endometriosis and haven’t missed the cosseting you get on Harley St (as nice as it is!)

I’ve had a few people tell me the delivery/birth care is excellent but post natal care at UCLH is pretty bad but I think that’s the same across most central London hospitals.

I had DD at UCLH last year - never saw the same midwife twice but that didn't bother me. I had some low level potential complications early on which my GP was rubbish at acting on and they were great - had a Dr proactively ringing me up and got my booking in appointment moved early so they could get me sorted. I really appreciated the efficiency and professionalism. They were also very prompt and efficient at dealing with some MH stuff and seeing me postnatally for bust stitches (eek). Regarding the actual birth - I didn't get to experience the birth center because I was so far gone when I came in there wasn't time, and I'm a FTM so nothing to compare it to - but my experience on the labour ward was fine (albeit brief). I was in at the time when partners couldn't stay with you after the birth so midwives on the antenatal ward were even more rushed off their feet than usual but still, felt like a fine place to be. If I had another, I would go there again

Thank you so much. Just needed some reassuring stories of good antenatal. As a first time mother I have no idea what to expect. Do they do classes etc. and offer guidance to those who are a bit nervous?

@Flosspot22 when I was in, everything was online or video for Covid reasons - you'd have to ask what the current set up is. But from what I understood they would generally have had classes (we did a private antenatal group so I didn't look into it too closely). I would say the general vibe was efficient rather than super caring (slight contrast to our other local hospital where I understand people did see the same midwife throughout and partners were allowed back in to postnatal earlier than at UCLH). But most of the individual staff I encountered were lovely and very reassuring (a couple were a bit brisk)

They’ve not mentioned ante natal classes to me. To be honest we will do NCT anyway, so I haven’t been looking to UCLH for help in this regard.

Hi @Flosspot22 . Did you end up choosing UCLH? If so, what was your experience. I’m registered there and considering home birth or birthing Center. But also just really curious about peoples experiences!

Hi, can someone share their recent experience with UCLH delivery and post natal care? Reading this thread- sounds like post natal care is not that good so very doubtful. The other option I have is St Mary. I was considering queen Charlotte Chelsea hospital too but have heard some bad experiences about it recently so dropped it.